PROGRAMS & SERVICES:
SAFE & HEALTHY SCHOOLS:
SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICES

The agency provides technical assistance to schools seeking information about school health services policies and practices, the Quality Standards and provides a yearly training for nurses interested in becoming endorsed by the agency in school nursing.

Insulin Pump Position Statement PDF
The Vermont Board of Nursing (VBN) has issued their position about insulin pump delegation practices for school nurses. This position statement will be added to the School Health Services Standards of Practice manual as an addendum.

Legal & Technical Resources Related to Life-Threatening Chronic Allergies and Illnesses in Schools (Act 158)PDF 
This letter is the agency's annual notification to all school districts informing them of their responsibilities regarding students with life-threatening allergies and chronic illnesses. This document contains information that may help schools in assessing and addressing the needs of students with life threatening allergies and chronic illnesses. A chart of live links to legal and technical resources and agency contact numbers is also included.

School Health Screening PDF
Legislation has changed regarding school health screening under Sec. 31. 16 V.S.A. § 1422. This change is taking place to assure that all school health related screenings are aligned with current research and the best practice recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. The ONLY required, population based, school health screening is for hearing and vision. Use the link above to view a chart indicating what grades should be screened. No other population based screenings are required nor recommended in the school setting. NOTE: This document also contains information about body mass index (BMI) screening in schools and why they are not recommended best practice.

School Health Services
School health services play a vital role in health outcomes for children. The Vermont Department of Health (VDH), in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Education (VT-AOE), has created the following resources:

• Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) (PDF) OSL
  The MOU seeks to optimize the efficiency and the efforts of the VDH/VT-AOE in providing school health services.
• Standards of Practice: School Health Services Manual OSL
  This document provides guidance to school administrators and school nurses in the development, implementation and evaluation of school health services.
• Vermont Department of Health School Health Liaisons (10/2012) PDF
  View a list of liaison’s assigned to specific supervisory union regions to provide technical assistance to school staff.

Agency of Education Contacts:

• Health Education Questions: Donna McAllister at (802) 828-1636 or donna.mcallister@state.vt.us
• School Nurse Licensing Questions: (802) 828-2445 or AOE.LicensingInfo@state.vt.us

Managing Life-threatening Allergic Conditions in SchoolsPDF 
This manual provides school personnel with detailed information about life-threatening allergies and best practices for schools, students and families. A model policy template is also included.

Sharonlee Trefry, State School Nurse Consultant
Vermont Department of Health Maternal and Child Health Division
(802)863-7348 (P)
(802)863-7229 (F)
sharonlee.trefry@state.vt.us

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